Lettering, Calligraphy & Design
Calligraphy (the art of beautiful writing) is a perfect adjunct to engage student interest in many subject areas, both primary and secondary.
Traditional letterforms can also be manipulated into intricate designs.
Contact Tricia to arrange a workshop for your school class or community venue.
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Calligraphy – years 5 and 6
This is a course of instruction which covers pattern making and revision of Queensland Modern Cursive letter formation. The children then learn to use broad edged pens, and are taught calligraphic skills in the Italic and Roman Capital scripts (on which Q.M.C. is based).
By experimenting with alterations in slope, pen angle and pen width of broad edged pens, the students learn to create different effects. Other types of writing instruments, inks and papers can also used to produce calligraphic artwork. Children can use their skills to create calligrams and letter art. A short history of writing in our own and other cultures, and the current trends in modern calligraphy can be included. The course concludes with a study of the basic elements of good layout and design.
The purpose of the course is to improve handwriting skills and also to interest students in the artform of calligraphy, as well as to provide practical help in neat presentation, project cover design, etc. This course can be integrated into the language arts program, and used in conjunction with teaching certain genre - poetry, invitations, etc.
The course is taught over ten weeks in one-hour sessions. A condensed version can be offered as ten 30-minute sessions.
This class has been taught at Graceville and Taringa State Schools.
“Teachers in the upper school have seen this course to be an important part of their ELA Program.” Wendy Molloy, Deputy Principal, Graceville State School
“At all times Tricia was fully prepared with interesting and innovative work....Tricia’s lessons were functioned to complement many aspects of the school curriculum.” Val Matheson, Year 7 teacher, Graceville State School
Funky Lettering – years 4 – 12
Children enjoy manipulating letterforms to make intricate patterns and designs. This fun class explores using letter shapes in unusual ways, and can easily be incorporated into art lessons. Depending on the time available, students can use their skills and imagination to create calligrams, letter art, decorated letters and more.
Lettering – years 11 and 12
This Lettering unit can be incorporated into Art courses as well as Tourism subjects. The unit can be specifically tailored to meet the needs of individual schools.
The students learn to use broad edged pens, and are taught calligraphic skills in the Italic and Roman Capital scripts. By experimenting with alterations in slope, pen angle and pen width of broad edged pens, the students learn to create different effects. Other types of writing instruments, inks and papers can also used to produce calligraphic artwork. Students can use their skills to create calligrams and letter art. A short history of writing in our own and other cultures, and the current trends in modern calligraphy can be included. The course concludes with a study of the basic elements of good layout and design as specifically applied to lettering.
In Art classes the students are encouraged to explore lettering as a form of individual creativity.
In Tourism classes the emphasis is on legibility and effective presentation.
The classes can be run over 5 or 10 weeks depending on the specific needs of the school.
“Without hesitation I recommend this calligraphy program. It is a very comprehensive lesson sequence presenting students with a perception of realistic expectations and application situations...The format afforded students a hands-on involvement, delivered by a dedicated and proficient artist. The expanded vision will serve students well and the experience gained is a good adaptation to later employment and careers....Patricia Smout relates well to students and her message is well presented and supported.” Wendy Bogatzke, Art Coordinator, Oxley Secondary College
“While participating in the Stylistic Presentation unit the Tourism students gained valuable practical skills which they were able to successfully incorporate into their marketing materials presented for assessment, and which will be of tremendous assistance to them in their future careers. The students developed a greater sense of confidence, and took an increased pride in their work.” Denise Berry, Tourism teacher, Corinda State High School
Calligraphy & Design – years 7 - 12
This course is similar to the Lettering course for Years 11 and 12, but with a more informal approach. The students learn Italic and Roman lettering, and other scripts (Gothic, Uncial, Versals, etc) can be included if desired. The basic elements of good layout and design are covered also. The purpose of the course is to interest students in the artform of calligraphy, as well as to provide practical guidance in neat presentation, project cover design, etc.
These classes can be structured to provide extra reinforcement for students experiencing learning difficulties, and can also be tailored as extension activities for gifted children.
The classes can be designed to suit the available time-slot ... as individual sessions or as on-going courses. A minimum of 4 hours is required, but students gain more benefit from a 10-20 hour course.
Calligraphy units have been taught at Brisbane Grammar School (extra-curricular activity afternoons), St Peter’s College (extension activities) and St Aidan’s AGS (Life Skills class).
